Here’s a look at some of the latest Matchbox products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Basic 100 Line:

Batch D – March 2011 models. I found some pictures of some new cars being sold but, I’m not sure of the case code on these. I put the pictures in but, I have no information as to the MB number of the casting. See the pictures below.

- Porsche 911 GT-3 blue; Ice Cream Van pink; Lotus Europa pink; ’68 Toyota Land Cruiser blue; ’68 Ford Mustang GT CS silver; ’78 Dodge Monico Police; Scraper tan; Corvette ZR1 white; Garbage Truck green; Cadillac CTS coupe silver; Pontiac Firebird Formula blue; ’10 Fisker Karma Hybrid silver; Toyota 4Runner red; Hummer H3 green; Road Roller white.

“Lesney” Edition

Case Code “ Q” includes a Ford E-350 Ambulance; a “57 Chevy Bel-Air Hardtop; a Chevy Blazer; Chevy Step-side; ’55 Cadillac Fleetwood; Dennis Sabre ladder truck.

‘Real Working Rigs’

Batch ? (2 models) released Apr./May – Snow Tracker and a MPCV vehicle.

‘Skybusters’

This is my last report on this line; see pictures below.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

Images from this post courtesy of Dave Tilley, MB Forums and eBay

There’s just a few weeks left until the Collector Experience rolls into Nashville from June 16th thru the 19th, and from the looks of things its going to be one heck of a convention! Collectors who have never attended a DiecastSpace convention before will see first-hand why these events are truly an “experience” and not just cookie cutter show. There’ll be something for everyone in Nashville no matter if you collect Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Johnny Lightning, Greenlight or M2 Machines. All brands of diecast are featured at the Collector Experience!

The three main days of the convention are packed full of great activities like Diecast Bingo, Diecast UNO, Downhill Racing, in-room trading, autograph sessions and vending machine pull sessions featuring the debut of the DiecastSpace Vending Machine that will be packed full of all sorts of goodies and special surprises. Add in the RAOK Party, Legends Dinner and Charity Auction and you have the recipe for a fun filled couple of days.

A variety of special guests are scheduled to attend the Collector Experience as well! Diecast personalities include Hot Wheels Designers Larry Wood, Eric Tscherne and Wayne Scott as well as Diecast Authors Mike Zarnock and Bob Parker. Ben “Cooter” Jones from The Dukes of Hazard is also set to make an appearance, so be sure to bring your General Lee castings for the autograph sessions! You’ll also find several of your favorite Pro Diecast Customizers like Bryan Pope and Chris Walker in attendance with some special limited edition diecast pieces for sale.

Of course, the main reason to attend a convention is for the cars, right? A wide selection of custom convention cars have been created for the weekend. Collectors attending the premium events such as Bingo and UNO will receive their special cars for those activities during the events themselves. Those attending the convention under a general admission ticket will still have the ability to browse and purchase any of the Collector Experience branded souvenir cars. Here’s a sneak peek of come of the various cars that have been created. Click on any image to see a larger version.

If all this weren’t enough, Liberty Promotions will be giving away a FREE VW Drag Bus to anyone who books three or more nights at the convention hotel on the trading floors! Information about tickets and accommodations can be found on ToyCarConventions.com, or you can book your hotel directly by calling (615) 259-2000 and using the group code “DIECAST.”

We hope to see you there!

Here’s a look at some of the latest Matchbox products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Basic 100 Line:

Reports are coming in that some new models are starting to show up in stores. Here is what some people are saying they found: Corvette ZR1; MBX Mover; Honda Insight; VW-Porsche 914-6; Power Lift; Mitsubishi Lancer Evo-X; and some new Caddy Ambulances.

“Lesney” Edition:

Code “M & N” include: a Cadillac Hearse; a Chevy Blazer; and Chevy Step-side.

‘Real Working Rigs’:

Code “M” include the four pictured below. Also coming soon are a Tucker Snow Cat and a Road Grader.

‘Skybusters’ planes:

A WWIIDive Bomber and a Skyfire plane are out now; a Stealth Launch Jet and a F-117 Night Hawk are reported to be released in this line.

Super Convoys:

The three latest from this line are a Ford C-900 cab and Hopper trailer, a Mega Ton Fire Truck and a MBX cab w/Drt Bulk Hauler.

Disney Parks Promo’s:

Two promo pieces from Disney theme Parks are out.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

Images from this post courtesy of 1StopDiecast.com, MB Forums and eBay

Here’s a look at some of the latest Matchbox products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

No New releases this time but, I do have some news for you about the upcoming years’ programs. Matchbox will have the Basic 100 line again along with the “Lesney” Edition (Superfast) line.

Other lines include: ‘Real Working Rigs’ and ‘Skybusters’ planes. The first scheduled releases for the 2011 should start arriving in December in ‘A’ codes so, watch for further news.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

Images from this post courtesy of 1StopDiecast.com and eBay

There are a growing number of collectors in the diecast community who question the merits of collecting customized pieces or the so-called Code 3 class of diecast.  That question is becoming more relevant as an increasing number of diecast customizers appear on the scene and that the Diecastspace.com KustomKon Conference (the first ever event geared specifically for diecast customizers) just wrapped up this month in Dallas. Here is a short explanation of Code 3 diecast (or Codes 1 and 2 for that matter) for those of you that may be unfamiliar with the term(s).

Code 1

A Code 1 diecast refers to a casting/model built by an established manufacturer that is available to the general public via some form of mass market outlet.  Examples of this are Mattel’s Hot Wheels and Matchbox, Johnny Lightning, Greenlight Collectibles, etc. which are sold thru outlets like Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, and Target, a local independent hobby/toy store, supermarkets, drug stores etc, etc, or thru a hobby specialist website like Milezone.com or 1stopdiecast.com.

There is also a new, smaller group of Code 1 diecast that has also come into play only within the last few years. Three players have emerged bringing forth their own lines of brand new castings and covering them with some pretty wild themes. This new breed of diecast manufacturer includes Dave Chang’s Kustomcity EVO line, Lou Tanahara’s Custom Crew Sledster line, and the recently introduced Dreamliner line by Chris “Nightstalker” Walker’s Alien Projects. All of these independents have conceived fresh castings, produced on a limited basis, by independent manufacturers, and are sold thru venues like conventions and internet websites. All of these brands have a growing fan base of admirers and collectors, as well as escalating prices for their rarer models. These newcomers bring a fresh perspective as to the direction the diecast collecting hobby is going in years to come.

Code 2

A Code 2 diecast car is a casting/model that is built by an established diecast manufacturer again like Mattel, Jada, or M2 Machines etc, etc to be sold exclusively by only a select retail outlet(s) or website like McDonalds kids’ meal promos or only being sold to select people who are part of a members only club like Mattel’s RLC, the older Snap-On dealer exclusives or the Johnny Lightning Collectors Club.  These Code 2 cars are usually sold in a limited quantity run or sold only for a short time or maybe even both.

Another type of Code 2 cars are ones made for specific diecast conventions by various major manufacturers. The cars are generally commissioned by a private party or convention promoter and sold only to people admitted by paid admission to the event. This even applies to the convention’s traditional Sunday toy show where the general public is invited in. Usually the public is either let in shortly after the convention-goers have entered or are charged a fee to enter. Examples of this type of Code 2 cars include pieces offered by the Strauss conventions, The Gathering of Friends, Lightning Fest and other events. If a non-club member or non convention-goer wanted to purchase these cars they would have to go on a secondary market like eBay or a toy show.  These cars are also usually made in limited quantity, and no more are made once the outlet that commissioned the car is sold out. 

Sometimes there are occasions when the Code 1 and Code 2 lines are blurred and things get a little confusing. Examples of cars like this are; Target exclusive tin cars, Wal-mart exclusive paint jobs, K-Mart day exclusive cars and even cars for the K-Mart and Toys R Us mail-away promotions.

I feel that cars exclusive to Target, Wal-Mart, or K-Day but can be bought at the store level are prime examples of cars that fall into the Code 1 category.  Even though the cars are usually more limited in production that most Code 1 cars and there will be people who don’t have access to the stores selling these cars in their area; they are still available to the general public in and they are still made in much higher numbers than most Code 2 cars.

I feel cars like the ones that are part of K-Mart and Toys R Us mail-away promotions tend to fall into the Code 2 category. These pieces typically require the collector to gather receipts and proofs of purchase in order to receive them. If you don’t go to those particular stores and collect the necessary requirements needed to obtain the car, you would have to buy or trade for them elsewhere. Other examples of Code 2 cars include those made exclusively as a corporate promotion. Examples of these would include pieces from the likes of Snap-On tools or cars for a diecast hobby specialist website. These cars are also usually made in a limited number, are available for a limited time, and may only be available as a mail-in, in-store offer, or through the a specific website. It often helps to join the mailing lists for these locations so you’ll get advance notice of their impending sales.

Code 3

Code 3 diecast cars are simpler to explain, but are often categorized into different sub-categories.  This type of diecast is typically created from an established manufacturer’s casting, stripped of their original paint, tampos and packaging; then re-painted and re-packaged by someone else.  There has been a surge in the sales of custom diecast pieces during the last 4 years. Most custom diecast pieces, but not all (I would say 85%), are created from Hot Wheels castings. Some “diecast customizers” come up with pretty amazing designs that are quite different from what is typically found on Code 1 and 2 cars. Some Code 2 cars do rise above the sometimes humdrum norm of diecast design and are very distinctive; but most never capture the uniqueness of Code 3 customs.  

One of the largest and most well-known Code 3 customizers is Liberty Promotions [LP].  They produce models with custom themes in quantities that tend to average around 2500 cars per run.  LP’s models are collected by a broad array of collectors, and the secondary market prices for some of their rarer “Rebel Run” issues can become very expensive. I would even believe that some newbie collectors are unaware that LP’s cars are actually customs. I usually joke with my friends that LP has become so well known their cars should be classified as a Code 2 ½!

The current crop of top customizers who sell their work include a diverse spectrum of people like Jimmy “The Boxman” Chavez who is known for both his wild packaging (and indoor sunglasses!) to others like Diecastspace.com Diecast Hall of Fame inductees Bryan Pope of Pope Designs, Chris “Nightstalker” Walker of Alien Projects, Vince “V-Man” Mosley, Jay Holt of Execution Customs and Sherry Abbey. These customizers have built a large following of adoring fans who try to gobble up their customs as soon as they become available. They have been honored over and over again with custom contest awards for their creations.

Popular “up and comers” in the customizing arena are folks like Dino LaSpada (LB Customz),  Tony Monzon (SDChopShop) and “Crazy” Kazy Kishi and Chojiro of Japan- who are crafting wild and far out pieces that win the admiration of their peers and dazzle people like me who can barely draw stick figures! There are also many, many more great customizers out there just producing for the love of customizing. I can’t even begin to list all of their names, but I have been fascinated with their work for a long time.

The next type of code 3 cars has really exploded over the last few years; the RAOK!  What’s a RAOK you ask?  It’s a gift of a car given from one person to another as a sign of friendship without expectation of a return gift.  It’s a [R]andom [A]ct [O]f [K]indness gift!  Custom RAOKs are passed out between friends/acquaintances at a convention or a local club party/meeting.  Most Custom ROAKs are usually created/commissioned by the giver and are in a baggie with a custom printed header card. I love receiving RAOKs and am very appreciative of all the cars I have been given over the years from so many different people; especially since there is no way I can reciprocate for reasons previously mentioned in the last paragraph.

Code 3 cars also figure prominently at diecast conventions. For many years the Strauss series of conventions have used Code 3 cars as prizes for their Button Bingo, Poker, and Dinner giveaways as well as their Newsletter member appreciation car. Most Code 3 cars given away by Strauss come in a vast array of colors with some very low production numbers that add to their collectability. Other conventions venues like Diecastspace.com and the RIHWC Summer Smash conventions utilize code 3 cars as their convention and souvenir pieces. These are usually made by a wide selection of admired customizers who add an air of distinction to the piece. Many of these pieces are also becoming very collectible and sought after.

And even after all of the examples I have brought up about various Code 3 diecast cars; many people still don’t think they are worth collecting.  So here are my answers to the many questions/concerns still out there about collecting Code 3 cars:

Q/C) Some people think that since Code 3 cars aren’t built by a major manufacturer, their collectability and future value suffer.
A) Untrue.  As cited above many Liberty Promotions Rebel Runs go up in value.  This is also the case for many Strauss, Pope Designs, Nightstalker, and Dave Chang EVO customs as well. 

Q/C) Some people feel they can’t justify the purchase price of some customs for sale.
A)  Many people only have a limited amount of funds these days and need to spend their money wisely.   This is all the more reason to buy only the diecast you really like.  If you factor in the time, materials, and limited production numbers of many diecast for sale vehicles; you can see why they cost what they do.  Most people buy customs because they enjoy the individuality of the cars vs. the commonality of mainline diecast or relate to the theme and appreciate the time it took build the car.

Q/C) I never seem to know when the customs for sale cars are available and miss out.
A)  This is where the buyer has to do their due diligence and invest a little time.  There are a few things you can do to insure you are in the loop or know when you can buy a customizer’s next offering.

1. Join a customizer’s website email announcement list.  Most customizers have one and you will always know when one of their cars is up for sale either online or at a convention.  You’ll have to have fast fingers to buy most customs online so set your alarm for five minutes before sale time to make sure you’re on the net and ready to buy.
2. If you have the time or can afford to do so, go to a diecast convention at least once in your collecting career.  Conventions will open your eyes up to a whole new side of collecting.  Here is where you can make friends and connections and learn about custom collecting first hand.
3. Scan auction sites like eBay, Scoomer, and The Toy Peddler or go to your local hobby show.  Even though you may possibly have to pay higher secondary market prices for a custom, you can pick and choose the designs you like best.  There will always be folks who buy a custom piece to try and flip it for a profit.  This may take it away from someone interested who won’t flip it but capitalism is what makes the world go around.  Only the collector has the power and final say whether the price of admission is too high or not.

So, should diecast collectors consider collecting custom pieces?  It boils down to so many factors and tastes that some say there isn’t just a yes or no answer but I say yes; collect the customs you like and can afford. They will bring a fresh perspective and centerpiece to your collection as well as a hot topic amongst your friends both enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. 

As the title of this article says, the beauty of a custom is truly in the eye of the collector and if you pursue the beauty of custom diecast, I’m sure you will find it to be a great new place to explore. As always, I welcome everyone’s opinion and thoughts about this article.  Let me know what you think in the comments section below!

Here’s a look at some of the latest Matchbox products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Basic 100 Line (Code “H”):

MB07 – 2007 Shelby GT500 convertible, black.
MB19 – 1964 Austin Mini Cooper, white.
MB26 – 2009 Toyota Prius, black.
MB49 – Dump Truck, dark yellow.
MB51 – Hazard Squad, red & white.
MB56 – Pierce Dash Fire Truck, black & yellow.
MB59 – 2010 Ford Transit Connect, yellow.
MB64 – MBX Street Cleaner, green.
MB83 – Hummer H3, black.
MB85 – 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, blue.
MB100 – 1997 Land Rover Defender 110, green.
MB17 – 1969 Volvo PI800S, red.
MB92 – Off Road Rider, blue.

“Lesney” Edition (Superfast, Code “J”):

- ’68 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 in green.
- ’71 Chevy Camaro Z28 in green.
- ’71 Olds. Vista Cruiser, black.
- ’72 Lotus Europa Special, black.
- Pierce Dash Fire Engine, red.

Convoys (Batch “G’”, 4 new models):

- Dump Truck.
- Dozer.
- Tank.
- Garbage Box Del. Truck.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

Images from this post courtesy of mbxforum.com

I love Hot Wheels! I am a 45 year old man that loves Hot Wheels cars!  It’s not that it’s been eating me up inside because I haven’t ever been able to say it out loud, I just like saying it.  I love the fact that I collect something many people find unique or quite frankly…odd!  But what’s even more odd is the fact that as much as I love Hot Wheels, I am equally passionate about collecting “different” or “orphan” makes of diecast just as much as Hot Wheels. When I say “different” or “orphan” makes I mean makes that no longer exist or have lower visibility in the diecast world.  Discontinued makes I like include [but aren’t limited to in the least] Playart, Corgi Junior/Husky, Kidco, Zylmex, and Impy/Lone Star. Some current, lower visibility makes I like to collect are Tomica, Siku, and Majorette. 

I have been fascinated by cars since I was very young. I loved to look at them, memorize them, and read and study about them. I also loved to play with little ones!  In the late Sixties, when I was only 2 years old, my Dad bought me over 200 Matchboxes from a much older kid in the neighborhood who needed Christmas money that year.  There were so many cool cars in that box and I played with those cars until they were completely destroyed; which is very hard to do to old Matchboxes. Back in the day, kids played with toy cars much longer than today where there are so many more toy choices at an earlier age.  I was also fortunate enough to have relatives in Germany and visit them quite often as a child.  They would have dozens of cars waiting for me before I arrived including Siku, Majorette, and euro Matchboxes plus would buy me more while I was there which was usually the whole summer off from school.  I would then be able to bring all these unique cars back and impress my friends with them which were much different than your “garden variety” U.S. Matchbox and Hot Wheels of the day.

Furthermore, near my hometown were Woolworth’s, local independent toy stores and regional department stores [anyone remembers Two Guys stores?] not to mention a big hometown 5 &10 [who remembers those?] all stocked with Matchboxes, Hot Wheels, Playart [aka Roadmates or Peelers], Zylmex, and Corgi Juniors. But being a kid I played with these cars like a typical kid would.  I raced them down orange tracks, plowed them through the dirt, played smash up derby, flung them across the sidewalk/driveway, and put them behind the back wheels of my Dad’s Impala. Pre-1969 Matchbox Mercedes Buses with the bubble tops and MG 1100s were especially fun to crush! [Sorry Matchbox fans!] 

Having all these different cars made a lasting impression on me; so when I began to truly become exposed to the world of toy shows and later the internet I saw the same cars I had as a kid and began to snap them up.  I also collected the newer versions of these makes when I could find them.  To me, the thrill of finding a Playart 1968 Plymouth Barracuda or a Siku 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado that still has its jeweled headlights in decently mint shape at a flea market or toy show rivals the joy of finding a great Hot Wheels Redline.  I am still looking for an affordable Impy Flyers Vauxhall Firenza that’s also in clean shape.

I am usually very, Very, VERY, picky about what kind of discontinued orphan cars I collect or any older diecast in general for that matter.  My friend Jeff Koch once jokingly called me a “prissy little B*%@H” [at least I think he was joking] when it came to the condition and what type of car I collected. He probably was justified about that title and I probably am a tad particular about what I buy; but Jeff if you’re out there; please clear that up!

A few years ago I found two Zylmex 1971 Ford Thunderbirds, one mud brown and one sky blue, in dead mint condition for $1.00 a piece in a box at a toy show!  I thought I had died and gone to heaven!  I had these exact two cars as a kid and I used them as my special F.B.I. guy cars! I used to watch the old ABC TV show, The F.B.I., with my Dad every Sunday night and either Efrem Zimbalist Jr. or someone on the show was always driving a Thunderbird.  As a kid, those were my “special” cars, the ones I only gently played with and wouldn’t let anyone else touch! 

I also had a “special” case for my “special” cars and it was chock full of things like a red Playart ’69 Mustang, a rainbow of Hot Wheels Sugar Caddys, a Matchbox Superfast Iso Grifo, and a Corgi Juniors Ogle, plus a smattering of everything else.  But eventually as I got older, I gave my cars away to either my younger cousins or friends of my parents who had younger kids. This is why today I cherish finding cars from my childhood and treat them with great care once I get them home.  I remember studying the Sears Roebuck Christmas catalogs then asking for [and getting] the Hot Wheels Redline sets. I remember getting Woolworth’s Peelers in my Christmas stocking and buying Corgi Juniors with my pocket money when I went to Two Guys.  I can even remember first finding Majorettes in the U.S. around 1973 in a Shop-Rite supermarket and my father refusing to buy them because they were $1.29 each; so my uncle who visiting from South Jersey and shopping with us wound up buying them for me. I also recall the fun of matching my toy cars to cars I saw on the street or TV! 

I now love to read about the history of diecast cars and how they came about. Stories about how Elliot Handler didn’t want his grandkids to play with a competitor’s car or the steep decline of Corgi Juniors not because the cars didn’t sell but because of the terrible economic climate facing Britain and the fatal business decisions of the parent company; like our own history, toys have interesting ones also.

Today, nothing appeals to me more than when a company comes out with an oddball car in its line like the recently cancelled Motormax Fresh Cherries line [R.I.P.!], Hot Wheels Australian Ford XB Falcon and Brazilian VW SP2, Matchbox’s ‘69 Cadillac Sedan De Ville or new Volvo 1800, Greenlight’s ‘71 Javelin Alabama State trooper car [a real life car if you didn’t know], or Tomica’s Mitsuoka Viewt [look that one up]!  I really don’t meet too many diecast collectors who collect quite the same combination of cars I do.  I love Superbirds and ’57 Chevys in diecast and real life but after a while of seeing row after row of them at car shows or on the peg, I kind of like seeing the odd Pinto or De Soto.  Some cars I would love to see done in 1:64 scale are a ’76 Chrysler Cordoba [and pronounce it “cor-DO-ba” as Mr. Montalban so eloquently did in his commercials], or a ’78 Chevy Caprice coupe [I had one; great car!] or maybe something really off the wall like a Borgward Isabella  or ’57 Nash Ambassador hardtop coupe!  Like I said, I like’em odd!

What unique diecast cars do you collect and why do you collect them? I love talking to other collectors about why they collect the cars they do.  I love to hear about someone’s oddball “FIND” and why they love that oddball car.   You should be proud of your oddball collection and tell everyone about it who wants to hear. I definitely have an open ear; let me know!

Don’t be afraid to go to your window right now; open it wide up, and yell as loud as you can:

“I AM A @@-YEAR OLD MAN/WOMAN AND I LOVE TO COLLECT TOY CARS”

It’s really very liberating!

Here’s a look at some of the latest Matchbox products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Basic 100 line:

MB09: Dodge Magnum, green – MB16: ’71 Porsche 914, dark green – MB25: Honda Insight, dark red – MB33: Jaguar XK, red-ish brown.

MB34: Lexus GS430, orange – MB39: Construction Skidster, yellow – MB54: ’08 Ford E-350 Ambulance, red – MB58: Dodge Charger Police, white.

MB66: ’08 Garbage Truck, blue-ish – MB73: GMC Wreaker, maroon – MB78: MBX Motor Home, yellow – MB84: Baja Bullet, off white.

MB86: Cliff Hanger, orange – MB87: Quick Sander, blue/silver – MB91: VW Beetle 4×4, off white – MB95: Toyota Land Cruiser, dark green – MB96: Jeep Willys, tan – MB98: VW Type 181, tan.

“Lesney” Edition (Superfast): code “H”

- ’68 Mercury Cougar in orange – ’71 Chevy Camaro Z28 in green – ’69 Karman Ghia in yellow – ’68 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 in green.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

Here’s a look at some of the latest Matchbox products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Basic 100 line: MB38 – ’57 GMC Pickup, MB63 – Ice Cream Van

Walmart special colors: MB38 – ’57 GMC Pickup in white, MB53 – ’78 Dodge Monaco Police in gold

Lesney Edition (Superfast): Nothing new to report this month.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

Here’s a look at some of the latest Matchbox products that will be appearing in stores and online.* Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Batch D – Basic releases
MB38/38/38 1957 GMC Stepside – baby blue

Click any image to see the larger version

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club

First, I would like to introduce myself.  My name is Joe Altieri, and I live in Northern New Jersey.  I truly consider myself a die-cast ”collector” and not a hoarder, scalper, or flipper!  Jeff Glasson has asked me to write some columns on the life of a typical die-cast collector and get your feedback on the hobby through my articles. I hope that once you read this article you’ll continue to read future ones to come. Thanks for reading “Diecast Stories from the Average Joe Collector.”

In recent years I’ve noticed something interesting happening to me every time I attend a die-cast show or convention; I am approached by a fellow collectors [whether I know actually know them or they are brought over to me by a friend] to either take me over to a vendor’s table or room to get my opinion on an impending sale, to show me a just purchased treasure to get my opinion on the condition or price paid, or to ask a question about products from any of the many 1:64 scale manufacturers of die-cast. I have been frequently told that I was the deciding factor either for or against a particular purchase. I am not trying to “toot my own horn” or boast about what I do or do not know about die-cast, but it always gets me thinking about how and what I collect now as opposed to when I began collecting and throughout the interim years.

It has been almost 26 years since I began collecting die-cast and over 19 years since I truly caught the die-cast collecting “bug” and met my first Hot Wheels collecting comrade, my great friend Bill, who was and is my mentor of all things Hot Wheels. So I guess I have seen a lot of collectors, trends, and die-cast companies come and go, wither and resurrect, or completely change themselves altogether. I have always been a history buff; whether it’s the real life history of the world around us or the history of the cars I love to collect. I love to absorb this knowledge as much as I can, but find myself having to omit a lot of information for lack of brain space or for want on that knowledge.

I can’t be a variation almanac like so many of today’s collectors are [God bless your memories] with all the wheels changes, window colors changes, body color changes chassis color/material changes and point of origin as I would like to be.

I don’t seek out variations for my collection unless they are physically pointed out to me while standing at the rack or at a show, and I can’t rattle off things like “the Muscle Madness ’68 Nova comes in all small wheels, all big wheels, and large front wheels/small rear wheels” or vice versa. But, I can pretty much rattle off every ’57 Chevy variation since 1977 or what each Dream Halloween or Toy Fair car has been or how much I did or didn’t pay for a particular car.

I’ve come through a succession of models that I’ve focused all of my attention on as well. First, it was old and new Matchbox. Then I added old and new Hot Wheels and new Johnny Lightnings when they were reintroduced in the 1990’s. All the while I kept up with new and old Majorette and Tomica models thrown in for good measure. It all became maddening! Yet, I would still buy any model, old or new, from any manufacturer that caught my eye. I was a full “completist” and had to have every model I could afford from those aforementioned manufacturers. During that time I was able to keep every model I had in my head as well as on ancient Apple computer spreadsheet. At times I thought my head would explode or at the very least brain matter would start to ooze from my ears!

In 2001 I attended my first Hot Wheels convention – the Wild Weekend of Hot Wheels 2 in Connecticut – and my mind was blown wide open!  There were so many people collecting what I did all together in the same place, with special events and best of all; the room to room trading!!!  That was something I had never experienced before. I was then completely hooked on conventions from that point forward.

While at WWHW2 I heard about larger convention that meets every year in California run buy a guy named Mike Strauss. I got some info while in CT and hurriedly sent in my application to the event as soon as I got home. Unfortunately 9/11 happened that September, and I thought I may never be able to go to this Hot Wheels Mecca I had begun to believe in. Fortunately, the restrictions were lifted and off I flew to Irvine California, all by myself; intimidated, but ready to learn!  During the convention I was lucky enough to meet my buddy Mike from NH – someone who is still one of my best friends in the Hot Wheel and real world.

Mike had been going to Strauss conventions since 1998 and knew all the in, outs, and quirks associated with them. We became fast friends and my feet were set upon the path of convention knowledge. Needless to say, the rest is history for I have attended every east and west coast Strauss event since Irvine 2001 (save for Dallas 2004 when my son had just been born). After Irvine 2001 I attended the Wild Weekend of Hot wheels 3 in 2002 where I got to know another best friend of mine, Bryan from NC. I have also attended the Wicked Weekend of Hot Wheels 1 and 2, the annual Macungie PA outdoor toy event, as well as more recently introduced conventions like Summer Smash in Rhode Island, the Mexico City Hot Wheelers convention, and the DiecastSpace.com Super Convention in Las Vegas and Atlanta.

When I was still a completist, conventions were all about “the hunt” for everything I didn’t have.  But since having divested myself of over 3000+ pieces of Matchbox and over 1000+ pieces of Johnny Lightning I have been able to enjoy collecting even more. I no longer need to have every mainline Hot Wheels. I now prefer nice redlines or special limited cars like convention and toy fair pieces. I also have grown very fond of collecting discontinued “orphan makes.” Those include the cars I had as a kid like Playart, Zylmex, and Corgi Junior, as well as makes with limited availability in the U.S. like Tomica, Majorette, and Siku. Likewise, convention-going has changed from hunting for everything I can get my hands on, to meeting up with old and new friends and talking about the state of collecting, about other collectors who have come and gone or just sitting around eating, drinking and making each other laugh!

Many things affect the way we collect. The economy, die-cast companies’ fortunes and product decisions, to the size of our own wallets change the way we collect; and that’s not a bad thing. Any changes should be accepted and embraced if you want to keep on doing and collecting whatever you love.

So have I changed as collector? That answer would have to be a resounding YES!  I’m glad I have changed, evolved, backed off or whatever you want to call it. Its made me a happier collector and a more grateful one at that.

How have/haven’t you changed as collector since you started out in this great hobby? Let’s hear you story via the comments section below.

Last month we saw Wave #9 starting to hit the pegs and I’ve already started seeing Wave #10. The list of cars released is listed below. *Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page, and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Wave 9

• -#5 Jaguar XK 120SE (New Model – Shown)
• -#6 ’68 Citroen DS
• -#21 Audi R8
• -#42 GMC School Bus (New Model – Shown)
• -#44 Street Sweeper (New Model – Shown)
• -#91 MBX Motor Home

Wave 10

• -#9 ’61 Jaguar E‑Type Coupe
• -#14 TVR Tuscan S
• -#36 Audi RS6 Avant
• -#40 Lincoln Navigator,
• -#43 Ice Cream Cruiser (New Model – Shown)
• -#57 Pierce Fire Engine,
• -#58 Chevy Impala,
• -#65 International CXT
• -#70 Mercedes‑Benz Unimog U300

VARIATIONS

• - #26 ’08 Honda Civic Type R in white instead of metallic silver .
  - #29 Dodge Magnum in metallic dark grey instead of metallic dark red.
  - #55 ’08 Ford E‑350 Ambulance in metallic orange with white15box with "Primary Response — Ambulance Service" tampo instead of red with maroon box with "Ambu Medic Emergency Medical Transportation" tampo (Shown)
• - #89 ’68 Toyota Land Cruiser in light blue instead of dark yellow (Shown)
• - #60 with package name Ladder Truck in yellow‑orange instead of red.
• - #74 Plow Master 6000 in metallic silver with dark blue bed instead of green with black bed.
  - #79 MBX 4×4 in metallic chrome blue instead of metallic brown.
  - #01 ’71 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser in metallic light greenish gold instead of metallic light green (Shown)
• - #21 Audi R8 in plain black or metallic black.

I heard that some places already have the last wave for the year. Here is a sneak peak of the New models; Cadillac Ambulance and MBX Mixer. They will be part of the last wave of this year.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club.

Here is the complete list of releases for the 1-100 line to date.* Pictures are from the new castings and revised. Found anything that isn’t on the list? Please submit it via the contact page and we’ll update the list to your credit!

Wave #6 for 2009 included 6 models:

• - #2 ’64 Austin Mini Cooper S, (new casting)
• - #30 Volkswagen Golf V GTI,
• - #64 Ground Breaker,
• - #72 Daf XF95 Super Space Cab,
• - #83 ’97 Land Rover Defender 110,
• - #89 ’68 Toyota Land Cruiser. (new casting).

Wave #7 for 2009 included 11 models:

• - #13 Mercedes‑Benz SLR McLaren, (new casting)
• - #20 Porsche 911 GT3,
• - #23 Corvette ZR1,
• - #24 Morgan Aeromax,
• - #26 ’08 Honda Civic Type R,
• - #29 Dodge Magnum, revised ( revised casting, mounted surfboards)
• - #51 ’06 Crown Victoria Taxi, (revised casting, taxi sign)
• - #60 ’06 Fire Engine,
• - #71 Tractor,
• - #74 Plow Master 6000,

Wave #8 for 2009 included 10 models:

• - #1 ’71 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser, (new casting)
• - #11 ’70 El Camino,
• - #18 Ford GT,
• - #25 ’08 Toyota Prius, (new casting)
• - #52 Routemaster Bus,
• - #55 ’08 Ford E‑350 Ambulance, (new casting)
• - #75 Quick Sander, (new casting)
• - #82 Volkswagen 4X4,
• - #97 Honda Ridgeline,
• - #99 Hummer H3.

* – Please note that this list was compiled based on information gathered by collectors from online research and personal finds at retail locations. The ability to find select pieces will vary based on geographic location and the frequency that your local retailer refreshes their stock.

The "In the Stores" column is brought to you courtesy of the Connecticut Valley Diecast Club.

The March 2009 meeting of the Rhode Island Hot Wheels club brought yet another entry into the Hot Wheels vs. Matchbox challenge. Details about the challenge have been written about on the RIHWC website, HotWheelsCollectors.com and right here on diecastAUDIO.

Essentially, a laser wheel Datsun by Matchbox has been undefeated for almost a year now and the club has opened the challenge to collectors worldwide. Cars have been sent in from many locations around the globe, but the Datsun has steadily remained the champ. This month’s challenge was captured on video.

Will the Datsun finally meet its match…? Watch the video and find out!

Collector David Tilley has posted a fabulous list of the 2009 Matchbox basic line-up over on the Matchbox Collectors Community Hall forums. The list details new castings, repaints, and what ranges they will be available in (US/LAAM/ROW). To top it off David has included photo or artist rendering of each car. Be sure to jump over to the thread on the MCCH site to see to full list!

Here is a sampling of pictures to wet your appetite!

[via mboxcommunity.com]

Earlier this month Mattel posted an official announcement about their upcoming 2009 Connect Cars line that has been creating quite a buzz among the Hot Wheels collecting community. Fifty cars from the basic line have been selected and specially designed with tampos containing characteristics of each state in the USA. Each car will come in a special case, and the cases will be able to connect to one and other to form an American flag.

Fred Bloods from 1 Stop Diecast recently posted a complete list on JoesDiecastShack.com of all 50 castings along with pictures of a few.

Attendees of the 2008 Hot Wheels Convention in California where treated to an early look at the line during a special presentation. Mark from RaceGrooves.com captured a short clip of it which you can see here:

Matchbox collectors will compare Connect Cars to the license plate themed set from a few years back. Releases like this are truly geared towards the “completist” collector, and it should be interesting to see if all 50 castings are released in even quantities across the country. In addition, it should be interesting to see if any variations appear to extend the collectibility beyond the fifty.

These casts will begin to arrive in stores before the end of this month (December 2008). Multi-packs of three cars will also be released. All 50 cars will be available by the end of summer 2009.

What do you think of this new series? Is it a winner or just another re-hash of an old idea? Share your thoughts via the comment form below.

Collector Irongorilla on JoesDiecastShack.com shared this great post about one of the greatest Matchbox auctions to come around in a long time. The collection is owned by Dr. Scott D. Gillogly, a prominent orthopedic surgeon in Atlanta Georgia.

Dr. Gillogly has held many distinguished positions throughout his career. As a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Gillogly was captain and quarterback of the Army football team. During his military career, he received many service commendations as chief of orthopedics at an evacuation hospital during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After ending his military career in the Army Medical Corps as a lieutenant colonel, he turned his sites to the field of sports medicine. His specialization in that field led him to become the head physician for the Atlanta Thrashers NHL hockey team and the Atlanta Falcons NFL football team.

On top of all these amazing accomplishments, Dr. Gillogly is now drawing attention to the personal side of his life. As a life-long collector of Matchbox cars, he has managed to assemble of of the most complete collections known to the hobby. Now in his mid-50s, Gillogly has decided to sell the collection in Britain where he believes the toys will generate higher prices. The collection is now being sold by Vectis Auctions on September 16 and 17 in Middlesbrough, England. The lot is comprised of approximately 3,500 Matchbox cars and trucks that may top $1 million dollars!

Click on any of the images here to see the larger versions, and be sure to make the jump to the original thread for more photos and details about what is being sold in the auction!

[via joesdiecastshack.com]